Things to Do in Quebec City
50 curated spots from Quebec City itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Montmorency Falls Park
Spend the morning at the falls, taking the main viewpoints and, if energy allows, a short walk on the paths around the site.
2h 30m · $10-15
Musée de la civilisation
Interactive museum with changing exhibits about Quebec, Indigenous cultures, and the wider world; there are usually hands-on sections and kid-friendly displays.
2h · $20-25
Plains of Abraham & Parc des Champs-de-Bataille
Explore the sprawling grassy battlefield park with wooded edges, flowerbeds, and river viewpoints; follow marked paths or relax on the lawns.
2h · Free
Montmorency Falls Park (Parc de la Chute-Montmorency)
Take a short bus or shuttle from Old Quebec to the falls, then walk the forested trails, cross the suspension bridge above the waterfall, and descend the stairs for misty, close-up views. There are several viewpoints that feel surrounded by greenery, especially in summer.
3h · $15-25 per person (park access and cable car if used)
Promenade Samuel-De Champlain
Enjoy a scenic waterside walk with landscaped paths, modern design, and open river views.
1h 30m · Free
Old Port Riverside Promenade
Stroll along the riverfront boardwalk near the cruise terminal and marina, watching boats and enjoying open views of the St. Lawrence under tree-lined paths.
1h · Free
Old Quebec Classique Walking Tour with Funicular
This 2-hour small-group tour includes both Upper and Lower Town plus a funicular ride, covering key sights in an efficient loop.
2h · $35-45
Saint-Roch Neighborhood Walk
Browse independent shops, murals, cafés, and lively street life in a more contemporary part of Quebec City.
1h 30m · Free
Aquarium du Québec
Spend the morning with marine life, indoor exhibits, and outdoor spaces that work well for kids.
2h 30m · $20-30 per person
Baie de Beauport
Relax by the water with a beachy, airy setting that contrasts nicely with the city’s stone core.
1h 30m · $0-10 per person
Château Frontenac Night View
End the trip with a final look at the illuminated landmark and the river beyond it.
30m · Free
Citadelle of Québec
Tour the fortress grounds and absorb the city views; it is a strong family-friendly history stop.
1h 30m · $15-25 per person
Citadelle of Québec Exterior Walk and Plains Edge
Walk the fortifications area and nearby open green spaces for views, military history, and quiet pause points.
1h 30m · $15-$25 or Free depending on access
Dufferin Terrace & Château Frontenac Sunset Stroll
In the evening, walk the Dufferin Terrace boardwalk in front of Château Frontenac, with river views, old cannons, and street performers. There are trees behind the terrace and views down to the more wooded riverbanks.
1h · FreeDufferin Terrace & Château Frontenac Viewpoints
Walk the wide wooden boardwalk in front of Château Frontenac for sweeping river views, street musicians, and photo spots; there are benches to sit and soak in the scenery.
1h · Free
Dufferin Terrace and Château Frontenac Exterior
Start with the classic postcard view, then stroll the terrace for river panoramas and street performers.
1h 15m · Free
Dufferin Terrace and Château Frontenac Views
Take a slow romantic walk along the terrace for river views, landmark photos, and an easy transition into the afternoon.
1h · Free
Evening Stroll: Old Port Promenade
Walk the riverside promenade behind the Lower Town, watching ships and the soft evening light over the St. Lawrence. Find benches under trees and enjoy the cooler air by the water.
1h 30m · Free
Evening Walk through Saint-Jean-Baptiste
Walk the gentle slope of Rue Saint-Jean framed by trees, colorful façades, and warm neighborhood lighting, stopping wherever looks inviting for tea or dessert.
1h 30m · Free (food/drinks extra)
Final Sunset at Dufferin Terrace
Return to Dufferin Terrace for a last look at the river and Château Frontenac at sunset, finding a quiet corner along the railings or nearby park benches.
1h · Free
Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site (Ramparts Walk)
Walk a stretch of the old city walls, climb the small towers, and look down over trees, rooftops, and the river; there are signs explaining the history in simple language.
1h · $8-12
Free Explore in Petit Champlain
Leave the afternoon open for browsing boutiques, lingering by the waterfront, and revisiting favorite streets or viewpoints.
2h · Free
Free Explore Time in Old Quebec
Use this open block for souvenir browsing, one last terrace walk, or a slow café stop.
2h · Free
Free Explore: Rue Saint-Jean
Use the remaining time to browse cafés, small shops, snack stops, and lively streets without any fixed plan.
2h · Free
Free-Explore Time in Saint-Roch
Wander Rue Saint-Joseph and nearby side streets: look for murals, indie shops, and pockets of greenery along the Saint-Charles River linear park. Sit in a café or on a riverside bench and just watch local life.
2h 30m · Free (plus any drinks/snacks)
Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec
Ride the funicular for a fun family transit experience between Lower Town and Upper Town instead of a steep climb.
30m · $5-10 per person
Funicular Ride & Quartier Petit Champlain
Take the funicular down from Dufferin Terrace to the riverside and stroll through Petit Champlain’s narrow lanes, stone houses, ivy-covered corners, and small artisan shops.
2h · $5-10
Île d'Orléans Scenic Drive
Spend the day on the island’s scenic roads, farms, river views, and charming rural stops.
3h · $0-40 per person depending on transport
Île d’Orléans Scenic Drive (Self-Guided Loop)
Rent a car for the day or join a tour, then circle the island, stopping at viewpoints, orchards, and small farm stands. Look for wooded lanes, cliffs over the river, and fields that feel far from the city.
3h 30m · $40-80 (car day rental fuel share) or tour cost extra
Île d’Orléans Scenic Drive & Village Stops
Rent a car for the day or join a small-group tour, circle the island, and stop at orchards, chocolate shops, and viewpoints over the river. Look for roadside farm stands, small vineyards, and little forested stretches for that countryside jungle-like feel.
3h 30m · $40-80 per person (car rental or tour fee)Restaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Café du Monde
Riverside brasserie with large windows over the St. Lawrence; choose fish dishes, salads, and vegetarian options and explicitly request no alcohol-based sauces or cooking wine.
1h 30m · $25-45 per person
Bistro Hortus
Order vegetarian plates, salads, grains, or fish if available; ask for no pork, no gelatin-based items, and no alcohol in reductions.
1h · $25-$45 per person
Café-Boulangerie Paillard
Order pastries, fresh bread, fruit, yogurt, and coffee or hot chocolate; vegetarian breakfast items are also easy here.
45m · $10-20 per person
La Maison Smith
Choose coffee, pastry, oatmeal, yogurt, and fruit; vegetarian breakfast sandwiches may work if made without meat and with no wine-based ingredients.
45m · $10-$18 per person
Le Sultan
Moroccan and Middle Eastern restaurant with ornate decor, dim lighting, and a slightly lush, exotic feel. Ask explicitly for their halal meats (they often have halal chicken and lamb) and order tagines, couscous, or grilled meats prepared halal; otherwise choose vegetable tagines and salads and confirm no wine or pork by-products.
1h 30m · $28-45 per person
Ciel! Bistro-Bar
Choose vegetarian salads, soups, or pasta; halal-friendly dining here means sticking to clearly meat-free dishes only.
1h 15m · $25-40 per person
La Galette Libanaise
Bright, casual Lebanese bakery-restaurant with wood, plants, and lots of natural light. Halal-friendly: manakish (zaatar, cheese, spinach), falafel wraps, and vegetarian mezze; some locations may offer halal meat but you can easily stay vegetarian to be safe.
45m · $10-20 per person
Le Cochon Dingue Champlain
Pick fish, salads, or vegetarian plates and explicitly avoid pork-heavy dishes; confirm all sauces are halal-safe.
1h 15m · $22-$40 per person
Les Botanistes
Greenhouse-style restaurant inside a garden center with plant-filled interiors; choose plant-based dishes like seasonal vegetable plates, salads, and soups and ask to avoid alcohol-based sauces or broths.
1h 15m · $25-40 per person
Restaurant King Falaffel
Order halal falafel plates, shawarma wraps, hummus, tabbouleh, and other clearly halal Middle Eastern dishes.
1h 15m · $20-35 per person
Restaurant La Galette Libanaise
Casual Lebanese spot; choose falafel wraps, hummus plates, manakish with cheese/zaatar, and any items confirmed as made with halal chicken—always verify with staff, and avoid anything containing pork or alcohol.
1h · $15-25 per person
Restaurant Noor
Order halal-friendly Moroccan and Mediterranean options such as tagines, grilled chicken, couscous, and vegetable plates.
1h 15m · $25-45 per person
Al Baik Restaurant
Middle Eastern eatery with halal meats (verify on arrival); go for chicken or beef shawarma plates, kebabs, and falafel with rice, fresh herbs, and salad.
1h · $18-28 per person
Au Petit Coin Breton
Order vegetarian crepes, egg-based savory crepes, and sweet crepes; keep to clearly meat-free fillings for a halal-safe meal.
1h 10m · $20-30 per person
Boulangerie Paillard
Popular bakery-café on rue Saint-Jean; stick to vegetarian pastries (croissants, chocolatines, fruit tarts), breads, and coffee/tea, avoiding meat items to stay comfortably within halal guidelines.
45m · $8-15 per person
Boulangerie Pâtisserie La Mère Michèle
Choose pastries, coffee, eggs, fruit, and simple vegetarian breakfast items; avoid meat-filled sandwiches and check fillings.
45m · $10-$18 per person
Café Buade
Opt for vegetarian pastas, salads, soups, and clearly meat-free dishes; this is a safe, easy halal-friendly choice when you want a relaxed dinner in the center.
1h 15m · $20-35 per person
Cafe La Maison Smith (Place Royale)
Cozy café on a historic square; order vegetarian quiches, salads, and pastries, and pair with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate—avoid meat dishes to keep it halal, as their vegetarian items are safe choices.
1h · $15-25 per person
Café Saint-Henri
Get coffee, pastries, yogurt, or simple breakfast items; choose vegetarian options and confirm no meat-based add-ons.
45m · $8-$18 per person
Café-Resto Le Sultan
Have a halal-friendly breakfast with items like omelets, labneh-style spreads, pastries, tea, and vegetarian plates; confirm any meat items are halal if you choose them.
1h · $15-25 per personMore on Quebec City
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